Navigating the Legal Landscape: Key Industry Updates (August 2025)

Australia Enacts Major Family Law Reforms 

Australia's new family law reforms took effect, changing the framework for property settlements, expanding the definition of family violence, and introducing new considerations for the ownership of pets. 

Source: FCFCOA

Australia Creates New Right to Sue for Serious Privacy Breaches 

A new Australian federal law, effective in June 2025, establishes a right for individuals to sue for serious invasions of privacy and introduces new rules for children's data and automated decision-making. 

Source: Digital Rights Watch

Canada Passes "One Canadian Economy Act" to Boost Internal Trade 

Canada passed the "One Canadian Economy Act", a new law designed to remove inter-provincial trade barriers and fast-track the approval of major national infrastructure projects. 

Source: Prime Minister of Canada

UK Announces Sweeping Changes to Immigration Rules 

The UK announced major immigration reforms to raise visa skill thresholds, end the overseas recruitment route for social care workers, and ease permanent settlement rules for some EU nationals. 

Source: Gov.UK

Vietnam Enacts New Law on Ultimate Beneficial Ownership 

Vietnam passed a new law, requiring companies to identify and disclose their Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) to comply with international anti-money laundering standards. 

Source: Watsons Farley & Williams

Amnesty International: Colombian Law to Protect Women Searchers Not Implemented 

A year after its passage, a Colombian law to protect women searching for the forcibly disappeared has not been implemented, leaving them at risk, Amnesty International reported. 

Source: Amnesty International

New Zealand Introduces Bill to Clarify Contractor vs. Employee Status 

New Zealand introduced a bill that creates a new legal "gateway test" to more clearly distinguish independent contractors from employees, aiming to provide greater certainty for businesses. 

Source: Dentons

Canada Halts and Plans to Rescind Digital Services Tax 

Canada announced it will rescind its controversial, retroactive Digital Services Tax and has halted collections, a move that eases trade tensions with the United States. 

Source: Deloitte

Amnesty International Links Climate Crisis to Escalating Human Rights Harms 

An Amnesty International report urged governments to address the devastating human rights impacts of climate change by funding a just and rapid transition away from fossil fuels. 

Source: Amnesty International